---
product_id: 2614899
title: "Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things"
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---

# Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things

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## Description

A manifesto for a radically different philosophy and practice of manufacture and environmentalism "Reduce, reuse, recycle" urge environmentalists; in other words, do more with less in order to minimize damage. But as this provocative, visionary book argues, this approach perpetuates a one-way, "cradle to grave" manufacturing model that dates to the Industrial Revolution and casts off as much as 90 percent of the materials it uses as waste, much of it toxic. Why not challenge the notion that human industry must inevitably damage the natural world? In fact, why not take nature itself as our model? A tree produces thousands of blossoms in order to create another tree, yet we do not consider its abundance wasteful but safe, beautiful, and highly effective; hence, "waste equals food" is the first principle the book sets forth. Products might be designed so that, after their useful life, they provide nourishment for something new-either as "biological nutrients" that safely re-enter the environment or as "technical nutrients" that circulate within closed-loop industrial cycles, without being "downcycled" into low-grade uses (as most "recyclables" now are). Elaborating their principles from experience (re)designing everything from carpeting to corporate campuses, William McDonough and Michael Braungart make an exciting and viable case for change.

Review: One of the most important books of all time - Is the title of my review hyperbole? I would submit that it is not. What this book represents is, in my opinion, the first clear articulation of the fundamental reason why humankind has reached an environmental crisis point where we either adapt, change, and flourish; or are swept clean (or at best decimated and reduced to barbarism) from this world as a failed species. However, this book is not about deprivation; its not about returning to 'Walden Pond' and renouncing growth, innovation, technology, and an advanced (and advancing) civilization. William McDonough and Michael Braungart's articulated vision is that through elegant, effective, integral, and enlightened design, we can fundamentally change the underlying paradigm via which the material objects of civilization are created; that through such a paradigm shift we can abolish *waste* by designing all systems whereby 'waste equals food' in all systems of civilization. To date, mankind has operated within a design paradigm whereby designers of systems, products, and materials, assumed that we could "throw something AWAY"; and were the forces of time and nature, at those places which they consider to be *AWAY* enough, would prove capable of rendering the undesirable byproducts of our creation and consumption back into a 'natural', safe, and again desirable, state. Such design assumptions may have been viable until the advent of the industrial age, but are no longer valid. Since we discovered how to burn coal, forge steel, concentrate heavy metals, and synthesize plastics, we have been inexorably moving towards this point in time and this crisis. This book drives home the point that there is no longer any viable *AWAY* towards which mankind might, in place of adequate design, throw away the ever increasing quantities of undesirable byproducts of the 'metabolism' of our civilization. Moreover, the authors point out that these 'metabolites' of civilization are such that there must be a differentiation, and separation, between a 'natural cycle of reuse' (which consists of materials and objects that can be naturally broken down into safe components through time, sunlight, oxidation, etc.) and a 'technical cycle of reuse' (which includes materials and objects which cannot, through being concentrated and/or synthesized by mankind, be safely broken down by natural processes and must therefore be technically reprocessed). It is this very mixing of component cycles that has yielded so much disease and suffering in the world; the dioxins, the mercury levels, the myriad mutagens and toxins now pervading our environment. This book is not a work of pessimism and "we are doomed" extremism; it is a book filled with an honest faith in Mankind's ability blaze a new path towards the reconciliation, through design excellence, of environmental stewardship and a high technical, and economically vibrant, civilization. However, it is not by any means, a pollyanna of unfounded optimism and the authors pull no punches regarding what's broken, the seriousness of the problems we face, and a path towards recovery. In closing, this book is tremendously important because it represents a manifesto for a movement to revolutionize design and inspire designers and empower entrepreneurs who see opportunity in the advent of this design paradigm shift. I must say, that it is one of the most encouraging books I have read in recent memory and it has galvanized me into becoming an activist and evangelist of the Cradle-to-Cradle Movement. I hope, and pray, that this book, and the movement that it has spawned, continues to take hold, gains critical mass, and acts to help pull us from the brink of the tragic disaster that we face should we continue as we have to date.
Review: Reuse, reuse, reuse - Reuse, reduce, recycle, has been societies' motto for dealing with environmental problems. However, as it is well known, it has not helped. Authors McDonough and Braungart present a new theory behind this. They tell us to reconsider the radle to cradle motif in life, where products turn to trash as soon as they are manufactured, to a cradle to cradle life. This means that when a product is created it will not end up in a landfill, or incinerator, but rather they will return to the cradle from which they were once made, only to be reused again, and again. According to McDonough and Brungart , about 90% of the materials created in the USA will become obsolete right after they are manufactured. These products, such as plastic bottles, or styrofoam, will not degrade and will only keep adding to the already overwhelmingly large toxic landscape created by consumer goods. Because the earth is not able to safely absorb the toxic wastes, the authors encourage us to create products that are not only biodegradable but also work as nutrients that benefit the earth's different systems. For example, hydrogen powered cars will be extremely beneficial relative to our current transportation system. Their emissions will go from being CO2, to H2O. The book itself puts their theories to use. It is created with a special synthetic paper that is waterproof and can be recycled indefinitely for the creation of other books, thus reducing deforestation, along with other factors associated with the recycling of paper. Also, the authors refer to two main ways of life: downcyling, which presents what would happen if the problem is not fixed, and upcycling, which would reuse every single material, therefore not allowing it to turned into another toxic waste pile. They want to revolutionize the entire design of products, so that from the very beginning each material used will be utilized in ca clean manner and be able to be reused continuously. They pose the problem that many industries do not want to go back to the drawing board because of the massive amount of expense that would cause. The book itself is a very easy read, one that is informative to all educational levels. The only negative aspect that I can think of is its weight, because it is made from the synthetic material, it is quite a heavy book for its size. All in all this book presents the idea of intelligent design, where the world should not see valuable raw materials sent to their graves through the use of ill design and manufacturing, but rather have them be intelligently created for an everlasting product thus making waste virtually nonexistent.

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Best Sellers Rank | #197,615 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #108 in Environmental Economics (Books) #206 in Ecology (Books) #369 in Environmentalism |
| Customer Reviews | 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,678 Reviews |

## Images

![Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/712fVvVktUL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ One of the most important books of all time
*by D***B on December 20, 2007*

Is the title of my review hyperbole? I would submit that it is not. What this book represents is, in my opinion, the first clear articulation of the fundamental reason why humankind has reached an environmental crisis point where we either adapt, change, and flourish; or are swept clean (or at best decimated and reduced to barbarism) from this world as a failed species. However, this book is not about deprivation; its not about returning to 'Walden Pond' and renouncing growth, innovation, technology, and an advanced (and advancing) civilization. William McDonough and Michael Braungart's articulated vision is that through elegant, effective, integral, and enlightened design, we can fundamentally change the underlying paradigm via which the material objects of civilization are created; that through such a paradigm shift we can abolish *waste* by designing all systems whereby 'waste equals food' in all systems of civilization. To date, mankind has operated within a design paradigm whereby designers of systems, products, and materials, assumed that we could "throw something AWAY"; and were the forces of time and nature, at those places which they consider to be *AWAY* enough, would prove capable of rendering the undesirable byproducts of our creation and consumption back into a 'natural', safe, and again desirable, state. Such design assumptions may have been viable until the advent of the industrial age, but are no longer valid. Since we discovered how to burn coal, forge steel, concentrate heavy metals, and synthesize plastics, we have been inexorably moving towards this point in time and this crisis. This book drives home the point that there is no longer any viable *AWAY* towards which mankind might, in place of adequate design, throw away the ever increasing quantities of undesirable byproducts of the 'metabolism' of our civilization. Moreover, the authors point out that these 'metabolites' of civilization are such that there must be a differentiation, and separation, between a 'natural cycle of reuse' (which consists of materials and objects that can be naturally broken down into safe components through time, sunlight, oxidation, etc.) and a 'technical cycle of reuse' (which includes materials and objects which cannot, through being concentrated and/or synthesized by mankind, be safely broken down by natural processes and must therefore be technically reprocessed). It is this very mixing of component cycles that has yielded so much disease and suffering in the world; the dioxins, the mercury levels, the myriad mutagens and toxins now pervading our environment. This book is not a work of pessimism and "we are doomed" extremism; it is a book filled with an honest faith in Mankind's ability blaze a new path towards the reconciliation, through design excellence, of environmental stewardship and a high technical, and economically vibrant, civilization. However, it is not by any means, a pollyanna of unfounded optimism and the authors pull no punches regarding what's broken, the seriousness of the problems we face, and a path towards recovery. In closing, this book is tremendously important because it represents a manifesto for a movement to revolutionize design and inspire designers and empower entrepreneurs who see opportunity in the advent of this design paradigm shift. I must say, that it is one of the most encouraging books I have read in recent memory and it has galvanized me into becoming an activist and evangelist of the Cradle-to-Cradle Movement. I hope, and pray, that this book, and the movement that it has spawned, continues to take hold, gains critical mass, and acts to help pull us from the brink of the tragic disaster that we face should we continue as we have to date.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reuse, reuse, reuse
*by T***E on December 13, 2009*

Reuse, reduce, recycle, has been societies' motto for dealing with environmental problems. However, as it is well known, it has not helped. Authors McDonough and Braungart present a new theory behind this. They tell us to reconsider the radle to cradle motif in life, where products turn to trash as soon as they are manufactured, to a cradle to cradle life. This means that when a product is created it will not end up in a landfill, or incinerator, but rather they will return to the cradle from which they were once made, only to be reused again, and again. According to McDonough and Brungart , about 90% of the materials created in the USA will become obsolete right after they are manufactured. These products, such as plastic bottles, or styrofoam, will not degrade and will only keep adding to the already overwhelmingly large toxic landscape created by consumer goods. Because the earth is not able to safely absorb the toxic wastes, the authors encourage us to create products that are not only biodegradable but also work as nutrients that benefit the earth's different systems. For example, hydrogen powered cars will be extremely beneficial relative to our current transportation system. Their emissions will go from being CO2, to H2O. The book itself puts their theories to use. It is created with a special synthetic paper that is waterproof and can be recycled indefinitely for the creation of other books, thus reducing deforestation, along with other factors associated with the recycling of paper. Also, the authors refer to two main ways of life: downcyling, which presents what would happen if the problem is not fixed, and upcycling, which would reuse every single material, therefore not allowing it to turned into another toxic waste pile. They want to revolutionize the entire design of products, so that from the very beginning each material used will be utilized in ca clean manner and be able to be reused continuously. They pose the problem that many industries do not want to go back to the drawing board because of the massive amount of expense that would cause. The book itself is a very easy read, one that is informative to all educational levels. The only negative aspect that I can think of is its weight, because it is made from the synthetic material, it is quite a heavy book for its size. All in all this book presents the idea of intelligent design, where the world should not see valuable raw materials sent to their graves through the use of ill design and manufacturing, but rather have them be intelligently created for an everlasting product thus making waste virtually nonexistent.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ An inspiring book with a questionable delivery
*by A***R on February 5, 2025*

Chapter Summaries and Takeaways: Chapter 1: A Question of Design The first chapter introduces the cradle-to-cradle method of thinking by completely redesigning the infrastructure of how we perceive sustainability and eco-efficiency. It focuses on how the current Industrial system follows a “cradle to grave” system meaning products are created, used, and thrown away which is bad for the natural world. The author wants to shift towards a “cradle to cradle” system where the products are designed specifically to be good for the environment to be reused, recycled, or returned to nature. The chapter highlights that these problems stem from our goals when designing products - we need to think about sustainability when developing new products so we can help the environment. It discusses the role of design in sustainability and why we should produce systems that align with the natural cycle. Chapter 2: Why Being ‘Less Bad’ Is No Good This chapter argues that merely reducing harm to the environment, or being “less bad” is not a good approach to sustainable development. Like the title suggests it focuses on the idea of eco-efficiency not being good enough in this world. This chapter introduces a main idea of the book which aims to do more than simply be eco efficient. The authors want to shift from “eco-efficiency” (minimizing harm) to “eco-effectiveness” (creating systems that are inherently beneficial). They suggest that human systems should imitate nature’s renewing process. Calling for solutions that not only reduce harm but actively contribute to the environment and society. Simply being more efficient with what you have is not as beneficial as completely building up from systems shown in nature that not only don’t waste but also do not brute force industrial means. Another topic this chapter touches on is how people tend to always view efficiency as good when in reality it really isn’t. A given example would be that an efficient Nazi is not beneficial or positive but it is still efficient. In doing so it attempts to break away preconceived ideas of efficiency that we have as a society. Chapter 3: Eco-Effectiveness Eco effectiveness as described in the reading is a step beyond eco efficiency where it aims to build systems from the ground up on these sustainable ideals rather than simply try to redirect pre existing systems. Chapter three introduces the concept of designing systems that are more eco-efficient, seeking to create products/processes that are entirely waste-free and contribute positively to ecosystems. This is contributed by new terminology where the ideal way to produce products is an eco effective approach. It dives into the ideas of growth and how it is not always a positive result. The chapter emphasizes the importance of designing with the idea of a “closed loop” in mind, where all materials are either biodegradable or fully reusable. The chapter briefly describes how many of its ideas may seem so far from what we consider normal that they may appear strange. However this is a normal experience when it comes to establishing change. Chapter 4: Waste Equals Food This chapter introduces the idea that in nature, there is no such thing as waste, what we would call “waste” is simply put back into the system through nutrients. Everything in natural systems is either consumed or decomposed and reused by other organisms. The cradle to cradle ideals were originally present at the start of society but have been lost to time in favor of the cradle to grave approach. The author argues that human-made systems should operate in the same way. Products should be designed so that at the end of their life cycle, they become "food" for other processes—either biodegradable materials that safely return to nature, or reusable materials that can be processed and made into new products. This idea challenges the traditional "cradle to grave" model and encourages the creation of products that contribute positively to the environment. The term monstrous hybrids is coined in reference to products with a mix of biological and technological materials. This is said to taint the biological processes. It discusses the two flows of nutrients or the two different metabolisms in the world. These include the biological and technological metabolisms. Products should either be one or the other but not a mixture as this destroys the nutrient flow of both metabolisms. Chapter 5: Respect Diversity The chapter opens looking at primordial life. It follows the idea that in nature the fittest survive whilst the fittingest thrive. It discusses the importance of diversity in both natural and human-made systems. The authors explain that biological diversity allows ecosystems to thrive and adapt to changing conditions. Similarly, human systems, such as industrial processes and communities, benefit from diversity—whether in terms of culture, biology, or technology. Embracing diversity in design leads to more innovative and resilient solutions that can better serve different needs and environments. The chapter advocates for the creation of flexible, adaptable systems that can support a wide range of functions and needs. Rather than promoting a one size fits all approach to society we must design with the potential for mass customization to fit the growing diversity. It introduces a triangle between three extremes: equity, ecology, and economy. Introducing the importance of balance between the three and the triple top and triple bottom line approach in design. Chapter 6: Putting Eco-Effectiveness into Practice The final chapter opens with a brief history of Ford and its conclusion states that we should embrace every aspect of what a company makes and produces. A redesigned automobile industry may even bring about an entirely new idea of what an automobile is as talked about earlier with the possibilities of the eco-effective approach. The authors focus on practical steps for implementing eco-effective designs. It showcases the five steps of eco-effectiveness which are to get ‘free of’ known culprits, follow informed personal preferences, creating a ‘passive positive’ list, activate the positive list, and reinvent. It's important to realize the final step has no endpoint and the results may be entirely different from where one started. The chapter emphasizes the importance of collaboration among businesses, governments, and consumers to drive change. It encourages designers and companies to rethink traditional practices and take action toward eco-effective, regenerative systems. The five guiding principles of eco effectiveness are to signal your intention, restore, be ready to innovate further, understand and prepare for the learning curve, and exert intergenerational responsibility. It ends by claiming we should try to once again become native to the Earth and that this approach will take all of us and it will be forever but in the end that is the point of what we are trying to accomplish. Review: The following book review is from the perspective of two highschool students currently enrolled in a Green Chemistry course. Since we come from this high school level perspective our review may offer otherwise overshadowed perspectives and ideas. We would recommend this book but only after a few words of caution. The ideas and perspectives in the reading are integral to not only foreseeing a brighter future but also to understanding the fundamentals of Green Chemistry. However the reading can at times be needlessly complex and or stretched out. That is not to say the book is too long in fact it is quite short but at times the reading just feels as if it is not reaching its point. Cradle to Cradle is not a particularly complicated or hard to understand book however we feel it could cater to a younger wider range of readers if it simplified its message and made it more direct. We think this book is best when read by college and above level readers or younger readers who show a stronger interest in the sciences. However we don’t believe this book caters to anyone outside of the sciences which takes away from its point of everyone making a difference and the wider audience understanding these issues. We also feel this book does not necessarily cater to the higher level sciences as it could be seen as too simple and dull. In this way Cradle to Cradle finds itself in this uncomfortable middle ground where it does not really cater to any particular audience. This leads me to believe that the biggest problem with the book is not its message but its delivery. The main message of the book aims to redefine the way at which we view eco-efficiency and eco-effectiveness. It is in this regard we think the book would do better in catering to the younger more adolescent minds. These are the minds most open to a change in understanding and are effectively the minds of the future. However we feel the book just falls short in being engaging enough to the younger audience. Overall though, we would highly recommend this book because although the delivery could be better at times the messages themselves and what the book is actually saying is essential to better the world’s science fields as well as our world. These ideas would benefit the world.

## Frequently Bought Together

- Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things
- The Upcycle: Beyond Sustainability--Designing for Abundance
- Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution

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